MADISON — The state Democratic Party has paid for a series of billboards demanding Republican Gov. Scott Walker return to Wisconsin.

Walker, a likely 2016 presidential candidate, has been visiting early primary states such as Iowa, South Carolina and New Hampshire.

He's currently in Israel meeting with Israeli and Palestinian entrepreneurs and touring strategic and historical sites. He's due back on Thursday.

Democratic Party chairman Mike Tate announced Monday that the party has paid for billboards in Milwaukee and Green Bay that call on Walker to return to Wisconsin, accept federal money to expand Medicaid — a move the governor has steadfastly refused and get back to work for the state.

Asked for a response, Walker spokeswoman Laurel Patrick said the governor is in contact with his staff regardless of his location.

Wisconsin Democrats put up billboards like this in Green Bay and Milwaukee.(Photo: Democratic Party of Wisconsin)